LOCAL NEWS: Jimmy Dimora Faces New Charges

A new indictment has been filed against former County Commissioner Jimmy Dimora. The case will be tried separately from charges filed earlier. That case will go to trial in January. [See the new indictment]

Businessman Michael Forlani was also charged. He is the former President of Doan Pyramid, a large electrical contracting firm.

The new indictment alleges racketeering conspiracy and could earn Dimora up to 20 years in prison if he’s found guilty. The case ties Dimora to corruption at Cleveland City Hall where former Councilwoman Sabra Pierce Scott plead guilty earlier this week to accepting a $2,000 bribe from Forlani. She is cooperating with Federal investigators as is former County Auditor Frank Russo, a long time Dimora ally.

There was no immediate explanation as to why the case will be tried separately from Dimora’s earlier case.